Overview

Electronic variable speed with 8,000-25,000 RPM range for max. versatility. Precision centering system for accurate cuts. Self extracting collet system for less run out. Includes 1/4" and 1/2" collets.

Reviews

I purchased this about 1 month ago. I was amazed that it arrived in one piece - the packaging was so badly damaged and ripped.I removed the handles when installing it in the table. I like the adjust-from-the-top capability, easy bit changing, and that the clamp does not shift the height setting at all. The switch is clearly liable to get gummed up with dust, but a Bandaid over it has sealed it without altering the movement or feel.Power, speed are as expected and the soft start at least reduces the wear on my nerves!Overall an excellent tool except for the switch.I also looked at Porter-cable, Black & Decker and others before buying this.

Looking around the Rockler website I was surprised to see they still make my exact model router(1617EVS 2HP). I have the receipt in my hand dated 12/08/1999. That means I have owned it for 10 years almost to the day! I have never had a lick of trouble with it. I see that many have had issues with the switch. Maybe the earlier models were different or I have been lucky, as this tool has seen quite a bit of run time in both my router table and hand held. Obviously, this router comes highly recommended. Oh and by the way, I purchased it for $189,that's $10 more than what it sells for today!

I recieved my unit with a defective 1/4 collet but recieved a replacement the next day after I called the customer service dept. The rep. I talked to said it would be 7 days but it arrived the next day. Love this service.

Having several ¼ shank routers I purchased this router for handling a ½ shank bit. I appreciated the variable speed and power for cutting a wide curve on drawer edgings to match other drawers in my kitchen. The router is reasonably prices for its quality.

The tool is a work horse but it has a poorly sealed on-off switch that failed due to sawdust buildup inside of 6 months. Luckily I have a nearby Bosch repair center and they put in a new switch no charge with the caveat that it will probably happen again. They are on the 6th iteration of this switch with no solution in sight.

My 12 amp Porter Cable died in the middle of a project and the only thing I could find locally at the spur of the moment was this one. I took it home mounted in my table. I have to say that the above table adjustment was super smooth and was easily able to micro adjust. Turned it on and it runs fairly quite and smooth, the soft start is also nice. Here's where everything turned bad, I was using a 1/2" shank raised panel cutter to create a concave in a piece of 3/4" maple for some custom trim, using only the lower portion of the bit the back cutter was not engaged. The one I purchased has the electronic variable speed control (Models 1617EVS & 1618EVS only). All this did was cause the router to slow down and speed up, slow down and speed up and sometimes completely stop. I was step cutting about 1/3 of the bit depth as well, I was not trying to cut the full depth all at once. It took forever to route the pieces, as I had about 30 ln.ft of material to shape. I did need to use a 3/8" roundover bit as well and that performed wonderfully as there is minimal drag on a bit of that size. In summation, if you do not make cabinets you are going to be fine with this router when only using standard/common bits, but if you need a horse for cabinet making you be best to find another router of the 15 amp size. I took mine back and am ordering a 15 amp 3 1/4" hp router.

This router and base, as seen in the picture, weighs 10 1/2 pounds. The sub-base (the black plate) is held on the metal base by four screws in the Bosch pattern. If you remove the sub-base, three additional tapped holes in the base are uncovered. The Rockler Universal Router Base will mount using these three holes without doing any drilling.

Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."

- Daniel F.

What People are Saying:

I have been using Rockler for years, your products are always the best that can be purchased and your prices are very reasonable. Ann you have always done your best to make me feel as though I was your very best customer. Thank you for great service."